As of 2023, Japan had 343.5 thousand practising physicians. Forecasted data from 2024 to 2028 indicate a steady increase in the number of practising physicians, from 348.67 thousand in 2024 to 368.96 thousand in 2028. The year-on-year growth rate is around 1.5% to 1.6%, reflecting a consistent upward trend. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the five-year period is approximately 1.5%.
Future trends to watch include advancements in medical technology and healthcare policies promoting physician accessibility, which are likely to impact the supply and demand dynamics in the healthcare sector. Also, demographic shifts such as an ageing population may further influence the need for more healthcare providers in Japan.
